It's in the Name!

I have been busy the past few weeks not only adjusting to a new culture but most importantly focusing on my classes. Besides getting to know the students in the classroom, we went to a café and spent the entire evening laughing and of course answering “is it true that in America (fill in the blank)” questions!  We also went to go see the Wall Street film. My hope is to use the “field trip” as a cultural experience and as a way to facilitate conversation on media vs. true American culture. To be honest, going to the movies here was also a cultural experience for me! Movies in Romania are quite the treat! J

In the classroom I’ve been integrating mass media and analysis through various avenues. We evaluated the biases in journalism, food and the consumer in America, and we will be learning and debating the issues debated in America today! So far it has been great seeing my students learn, analyze, and slowly develop their own opinions on different topics. I look forward to seeing them grow as students in the up and coming months!  

With all of that said, I would like to finish with a description on their first assignment.

Their first assignment was to research their names and write an “I Am” poem about themselves. The purpose was to give me the opportunity to know them better, touch on multiculturalism in the United States, and it was a good way to assess their writing.  In order to avoid the “but we are all Romanian” response, I explained to them the meaning behind the task. Since this is an American Studies course taught by an American teacher, it will have American cultural ideas intertwined. I had taken the idea from a professor at North Park who assigned his students a similar assignment. But why would a professor in America care to have his students research their names? What do names signify? I wanted to touch on America's various ethnic communities with immigrants from around the world and a name is a cultural representation. I then told them about how North Park is located in a multi-cultural neighborhood called Albany Park. I described it to them and explained how one can hear may languages, eat various foods, and interact with people from around the world. I then talked about how one can drive on streets like Devon Avenue and is able to “visit” three different countries!  Given their reactions, I think they were very intrigued! J

I really enjoyed grading this assignment. Some of the students were very creative and others had interesting stories. Something I learned was that those of the Orthodox religion would give their children, usually as the middle name, the name of a saint celebrated around the time they were born. I did not know that!

"There is beauty all around, there is still beauty to be found."

It’s already November! There is much I could fill you in on. I moved into an apartment that has a breathtaking view of the Black Sea. Actually all of the windows in the kitchen and living room face the Sea. My new home has become a place of solitude and serenity. Although there have been the normal adjustment challenges and many “I feel like I stand out like a sore thumb” moments- having a place like this to come home to has added to the many blessings this experience has brought thus far!

The sunrise I caught one morning! It was one of the most beautiful things...

Learning and Relishing

Last week was quite the experience! On Wednesday we had our Fulbright orientation with all the grantees and Fulbright-Romania employees. The Fulbright employees are some of the nicest people I ever met. They would go above and beyond to make sure we are all properly taken care of. It was good to know we have such a solid support system. Thank you, Fulbright-Romania team, for your great hospitality!

It was such a thrill to meet the rest of grantees. I felt honored to be among brilliant people of various ages, interests, academic accomplishments, etc. Several times throughout the day I had to pinch myself and ask, “am I really among all of these amazing people??” I enjoyed meeting them and getting to know them. A part of me wishes we could all be in the same city! Although I do admit, that would have made it too tempting to stay within my American comfort zone. I look forward to the Fulbright holiday party in Bucharest at the beginning of December. I can’t wait to see how everyone’s projects and semesters have unfolded. I can see great things come from my fellow colleagues!

Besides meeting all these awesome people, at the orientation we were briefed by embassy officials on what is happening in Romania today. That was very interesting! As I was listening, I had a few “oooh” and “ahhh” moments. I realized that although I might be Romanian by origin, I understand the world through “American lenses.” Those who were informing us were speaking from an American perspective and I appreciated that so much because for the first time I had a different, maybe you can even say better, understanding of the culture.

Afterwards we all attended the RAAS Conference in Constanta at Universitatea Ovidius. Professors from all over Romania, and places such as Bulgaria, Turkey, Canada, and the United States presented their research on dissent in America. The U.S. Ambassador to Romania, Mark Gitenstein, who, from what I understand is the first Romanian- American ambassador, gave a speech on the topic.

It was a wonderful opportunity to be able to interact with such a variety of people!

All of us Fulbright grantees and families at the orientation in Bucharest on Wednesday.

Thursday, at the RAAS Conference at Universitatea Ovidius with the U.S. Ambassador to Romania, Mark Gitenstein, Camille Ratcliffe, and Annie Pennel.

Here the U.S. Ambassador Mark Gitenstein is giving a speech.

Out at dinner Friday night with the Fulbrighters.

Soaking it all in- Literally and Figuratively!

Buna ziua!

It’s about time I updated from Romania, eh? J

It is Tuesday and I am now in Bucharest! So far, I have really been enjoying myself! You would think the traveling challenges of jet lag, getting accustomed to the cultural change, and not really knowing many people, would have been too much to handle in order to enjoy my time- but nope! J I've been having a blast!

In Constanta last week, I met up with an American friend and his fiance who took me around. It was so nice to be able to explore and figure out the city with them! I am the type that likes to have my directions down- so you can only imagine how relieved I was once I started learning the main bus routes and understanding the city! Next thing you know, I'll blend in like any other native!

Friday, I was able to go visit Pastor Mihai and his family in Galati. They invited me to a conference and I am so glad I accepted their offer! They were great hosts and made sure my time in Galati was pleasant. The conference was with youth from all around the southeast region of Romania. Through this conference I was able to meet friendly people from both Constanta and Galati. I am SO glad that I met these great people and I look forward to developing these friendships in the next few months!  Honestly, I could not think of a better way to have spent my first weekend in Romania! 

Today I visited as much as I could with Annie, a Fulbright ETA in Iasi. Unfortunately, the weather was not in our favor, so our time to discover the city was limited. Nonetheless, we made the most of it! First, we ate at an older (and famous, from what I hear) Romanian restaurant and then walked around the city. Although it was raining, cold, and our feet were soaking wet, we persevered enough to get to Casa Poporului. J Today increased my curiosity even more to learn more about the beauty Bucharest has to offer such as its architecture, history, museums, parks, and such. I can't wait to come back- I am hoping to make it before winter!

Tomorrow, I will be attending the Fulbright orientation here in Bucharest with the other Fulbright award recipients in Romania. Afterwards, we will all travel to Constanta where we will participate at the RAAS (Romanian Association for American Studies) conference at Universitatea Ovidius. I will be meeting the Fulbright staff I have been in contact with, representatives of the U.S. Embassy such as the ambassador, as well as professors from around Romania and the U.S. who will be presenting papers at the conference. To say I am excited is an understatement! :) 

Here is a picture of  me with the Dumitrascu family:

 I thought this was hilarious. This is a car used for student drivers and the sign translates to: "You! Pay attention! I am learning right now!"

Annie and I enjoying "papanas" (pronounced pah-pah-nash)- a delicious, Romanian dessert!

In front of the History Museum. LOVE the architecture!

In front of Casa Poporului. It is one of largest buildings in the world and it was built under Ceausescu.

The Beginning!

Exactly this time last year, I was having weekly meetings with Dr. Linda Parkyn as we worked extensively on my application for the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) award in Romania. Six months later, on March 8, I received an e-mail with the good news- I won the award! Fast forward to today, September 27, I am currently on a flight headed for Bucharest, Romania. I can't help but look upon this past year’s events with utter gratitude!

For the next ten months I will be an ETA in Romania, specifically Constanta and Timisoara. In Constanta, I will be teaching American studies to undergraduate students at Universitatea Ovidius. Constanta is a city located in Eastern Romania near the Black Sea. Due to its location and famous beaches, Constanta is often frequented by tourists from both Romania and around the world. For the second semester, I will be teaching graduate students at Universitatea de Vest in Timisoara. Timisoara is a city located in western Romania and it is approximately 160 miles from Budapest, Hungary. It is known for being one of the cities that instigated the 1989 revolution which ended the communist regime. Timisoara is considered to be one of the more multicultural cities since it is has a strong Hungarian, German and Serbian minority presence.

I look forward to experiencing the Romanian culture through these two diverse cities. At the same time, I cannot wait to share with my students and those around me American culture. My hope is that my identity as a first generation American will add a unique dynamic to the classroom.

Although moving to a new country is not an easy task, it is such a privilege to be able to embark on this journey. I am filled with excitement and appreciation for this opportunity!

Arcul de Triumf in Bucharest

American Ambassador's Home

The university where I will be teaching.

In front of Lacul Tabacariei 

One of the more modern buildings on a main boulevard in Constanta.

The Black Sea.

Next to the Black Sea.